Integrated internet camera system and method

ABSTRACT

An Internet direct device comprises an imaging system to capture at least one of audio, still images and video images, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor transmits at least one of the captured audio, the captured still images and the captured video images to a web site archive and review center and/or another Internet direct device upon image capture over a communications network. The Internet direct device automatically connects to the communications network on power-up using one of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designated as a primary mode of connection. The Internet direct device automatically switches to another available mode of connection when the communications network is unavailable.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.14/948,486 filed Nov. 23, 2015, which is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 14/578,403 filed Dec. 20, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,197,806,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/053,600 filed Oct.15, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,947,542, which is continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 13/925,498 filed Jun. 24, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No.8,581,991, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/415,346filed Mar. 8, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,477,197, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 13/037,303 filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,134,600, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.12/637,277 filed Dec. 14, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,907,172, which is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 11/484,373 filed Jul. 11, 2006, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,633,524, which claims a priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/702,470, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated Internet camera and/orsystem that is simple to install, operate and maintain, moreparticularly to an integrated Internet camera and/or video system thatseamlessly and automatically transmits, receives, stores and/or archivesstill images, video and/or audio to and from a web site service/monitorcenter over the Internet using one or more integrated Internet cameras.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The increasing use and awareness of the utility afforded by the Internethas transformed this simple image recording or capture process into amore complicated process requiring permanent storage and providing asecure centralized access to such storage from any remote location.

The currently available camera systems available are rigid andexpensive. These systems are complex and require a host of peripheraldevices to place an image on the Internet or Web. Additionally, thesesystems are bulky and not very portable. Moreover, the user must installone or more software to operate such camera systems. In a securitymonitoring application, these camera systems require a qualifiedoperator to operate and maintain such system.

An example of such prior camera system is shown in FIG. 1. In order foran operator to transfer the still image, video and/or audio file from avideo camera 100 to an account on the Internet or Web, the operator mustconnect the video camera 100 to a personal computer PC 200. The stillimage, video and/or audio file is transferred and stored in the PC 200before it is transferred or uploaded onto the Internet. That is, thecamera 100 must be connected to a network device (e.g., PC 200) beforeit can transmit or receive still image, video or audio files.

Some have attempted to resolve this problem by purchasing a network card(wired or wireless) to enable their camera 100 to connect to theInternet without a separate network device (i.e., PC 200). However, suchsolution is only available if the camera 100 can accept such networkcard and does not provide two-way access to the image file, i.e.,transmitting to storage and receiving from storage. Additionally, suchsolution generally requires the operator to install the network card andaccompanying software to “network” enabled camera 100.

Therefore, it is desirable to have an integrated Internet camera systemthat can seamlessly upload and download video and/or audio files to andfrom the Internet, transmits these files to another web-enabled portabledevice (e.g., another camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellphone and the like), receive/download video and/or audio files fromanother portable device and/or store/archive these files in a securewebsite without the necessity of connecting to another device, such as aPC 200.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are many commercial and general consumer needs for this integratedInternet camera system. Some examples are in the fields of security,engineering, entertainment, advertising, child care monitoring andpersonal use, such as for family social occasions.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anintegrated Internet camera system (“IICS”) that allows even the noviceusers to seamlessly link their Internet direct cameras (“IDC”) to adedicated website of the IICS operator (such as a website archive andreview center (“WSARC”) to begin recording/storing/archiving of theimages on the WSARC by simply powering their IDC. The presentinvention's ease of use, less working parts, lower maintenances, lowerexpenses, and easily accessible support enables the novice users toquickly employ and enjoy the IICS of the present invention.Additionally, the IICS is very flexible, it can be easily expanded andcustomized to provide a host of services and meet various needs of bothpersonal and commercial users.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the IICS asaforesaid, which comprises IDC that can automatically and seamlesslyconnect to the WSARC by simply powering on the IDC. That is, when anoperator takes a picture, the IDC automatically transmits the image tothe WSARC.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aninexpensive and efficient camera having all necessary functionality fortransmission and reception of real-time, stored and archived digitalimages to and from the Internet in a single, portable standaloneapparatus (i.e., an embedded system), without requiring the use of anexternal controlling apparatus such as a personal computer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a WSARC thatenables an authorized user to schedule transmission of digital images toone or more IDC(s) upon receipt of an image from an IDC associated withthat authorized user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable,standalone camera that initiates transmission of digital images to theInternet, i.e., WSARC, upon an image capture.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anintegrated Internet camera system for transmitting digital images to anInternet address comprises an image pickup, an optical module forforming an image on the image pickup, and an image capturing module forcapturing digital images from the image pickup. A wireless device or SIMcard connects and maintains the IDC's connection to the Internet fortransmission of the digital image files to a user account associatedwith the IDC at a predetermined Internet address (i.e., WSARC) andtransfers the digital image files to the user account. The digital imagefiles in the user account are then available to authorized users of theaccount. Depending on the access privilege such authorized user mayaccess the entire or a portion of the stored/archived digital imagefiles.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anintegrated Internet camera system comprises a website archive and reviewcenter (WSARC) for storing, archiving and managing images and anInternet direct camera (IDC) for capturing an image, automaticallytransmitting the image to an account associated with the IDC on theWSARC upon image capture and receiving stored/archived image from theWSARC. The IDC comprises a display for displaying the captured image andthe received image. The IDC automatically connects to the WSARC over anInternet connection on power-up.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anInternet direct device comprises an imaging system to capture audio orvideo images and a microprocessor. The microprocessor transmits thecaptured audio or video images to another Internet direct device uponimage capture and receives audio or video images from the other Internetdirect device over a communications network. The Internet direct deviceautomatically connects to the communications network on power-up usingone of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designatedas a primary mode of connection. The Internet direct deviceautomatically switches to another available mode of connection when theInternet direct device detects that the primary mode of connection tothe communications network is unavailable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theInternet direct device further comprises a storage device for locallystoring captured audio or video images and the received audio or videoimages.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theaforesaid Internet direct device is a tablet or a Smartphone with acamera comprising an optical or digital zoom lens to providemagnification for use as a binocular or microscope. The microprocessorcontrols the magnification of the optical or digital zooms lens.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theInternet direct device further comprises a GPS to determine a currentlocation of the Internet direct device. The Internet direct devicecommunicates with a satellite to obtain live satellite image of itscurrent location.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theInternet direct device further comprises a touch keypad to receive aninput comprising a location and zooming instructions from a user. TheInternet direct device communicates with a satellite to obtain livesatellite image of the location entered on the touch keypad and toadjust a magnification of the satellite image based on the zoominginstructions.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theInternet direct device further comprises a white or colored LED tooperate as a white or colored strobe light.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theInternet direct device further comprises a LCD display and a touchkeypad to receive an input comprising magnification instructions from auser. The controls the LCD display to provide a magnified mirror andadjusts a magnification of the mirror based the magnificationinstructions.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theaforesaid microprocessor transmits the captured audio or video images toan account associated with the Internet direct device on a website uponimage capture.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, amethod for transmitting and receiving audio or video images by anInternet direct device associated with a user over a communicationsnetwork comprises the step of automatically connecting the Internetdirect device to the communications network on power-up using one of aplurality of available modes of connection, which is designated as aprimary mode of connection. An image capture system of the Internetdirect device captures audio or video images. A microprocessor theInternet direct device transmits the captured audio or video images toanother Internet direct device over the communications network uponimage capture and receives audio or video images from the other Internetdirect device over the communications network. The microprocessorautomatically switches to another available mode of connection when theInternet direct device detects that the primary mode of connection tothe communications network is unavailable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anon-transitory storage medium comprises a program for transmitting andreceiving audio or video images over a communications network. Theprogram when executed by an Internet direct device associated with auser to cause the Internet direct device to automatically connect theInternet direct device to the communications network on power-up usingone of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designatedas a primary mode of connection. The program causes the Internet directdevice to capture audio or video images by an image capture system ofthe Internet direct device. The program causes the Internet directdevice to transmit the captured audio or video images to anotherInternet direct device over the communications network upon imagecapture by a microprocessor of the Internet direct device, and receiveaudio or video images from the other Internet direct device over thecommunications network by the Internet direct device. The program causesthe Internet direct device to automatically switch to another availablemode of connection by the microprocessor when the Internet direct devicedetects that the primary mode of connection to the communicationsnetwork is unavailable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further explained in the description whichfollows with reference to the drawings, illustrating, by way ofnon-limiting examples, various embodiments of the invention, with likereference numerals representing similar parts throughout the severalviews, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a conventional stationary camera which captures andtransmits images to the Internet using a local PC; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an Integrated Internet camera system in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an integrated Internetcamera system (IICS) 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a plurality Internet direct cameras (IDCs)2000 connected to a website archive and storage center (WSARC) 3000 overthe Internet 4000. The WSARC 3000 comprises a web server 3010 and one ormore database 3020 to store and/or archive images received from the IDCs2000. The IICS 1000 uses the IDC 2000 (preferably a multi-mode,web-enabled portable device with a camera/video) to transmit a stillimage, video and audio (collectively referred to herein as the “data”),onto the Internet 4000 via a multi mode Internet Access Antenna (IAA)2600 to a monitored WSARC 3000. The IDC 2000 can connect to the Internetvia, but not limited to, land line, DSL, cable, satellite, wirelessnetwork, cellular, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max and the like. Preferably, the IDC 2000connects to the Internet via a primary mode of communication andswitches over the secondary mode of communication if the IDC 2000detects a failure in the primary mode of communication. For example, ifthe IDC 2000 is programmed or setup to use Wi-Fi as a primary mode ofcommunication, the IDC 2000 can switch to a cellular communication ifthe Wi-Fi communication is lost or unavailable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises an embedded address, a subscriber identificationmodule (SIM) card 2610 or other comparable device or means to enable theIDC's connection to the WSARC 3000 to be embedded, preset, encrypted,proprietary and firewall protected. If the IDC 2000 is faulty orinoperable, the user can simply remove its SIM card 2610 and install itin the new IDC 2000. That is, the SIM card 2610 is interchangeable fromone IDC 2000 to another IDC 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a microcontroller or microprocessor 2200 forcontrolling the various components of the IDC 2000, a display 2300,preferably LCD display, to display captured images, an image-formingoptical system 2500 for capturing images, a compression module 2210 forcompressing captured images, a storage device 2400 for storing and/orarchiving capture images, an image adjusting module 2220 for performingimage processing on a stored/archived digital image and a text module2230 for superimposing text information on a stored/archived digitalimage. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, themicrocontroller 2200 controls the compression module 2210 to performimage compression, e.g., JPEG, Huffman, wavelet and the like and outputsimages in JPEG, TIFF, GIFF and other known formats for storage in thestorage device 2400 and/or transmission to the WSARC 3000. Themicrocontroller 2200 also can control the image adjusting module 2220 toadjust the resolution of image stored/archived in the storage device2400 on a continuous scale with preferred preservation of aspect ratioeither before or after storage therein or before or after transmissionto the WSARC 3000.

All of the electronic, mechanical, optical and display components of theIDC 2000 are housed within a camera body 2100. A viewfinder 2530 allowsthe operator to view a scene corresponding to, or identical to, an imageformed on an image pickup 2510 of the IDC 2000 via the image-formingoptical system 2500. The image-forming optical system 2500 can comprisesan optical and/or digital zoom lens, or an auto-focus system, which canbe controlled by the microprocessor 2200. That is, in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the microprocessor 2200can increase the magnification of the optical/digital zoom lens of theimage-forming optical system 2500 to enable the IDC 2000, such as atablet or Smartphone, to be advantageously used as a binocular ormicroscope. Alternatively or in addition, the IDC 2000 comprises aremovable optical or digital zoom lens attachment, thereby enabling theuser to change the magnification capability of the IDC 2000 by changingto different lens attachment, e.g., wide-angled lens attachment, atelescopic zoom lens, etc.

The display 2300 displays the results of user interaction, statusreporting to the user and images/vides captured or received by the IDC2000. The storage device 2400 can be a memory, a hard drive, a DRAM, aNAND, a flash memory, a memory stick, a storage disk and the like. It isappreciated that IDC 2000 without the storage device 2400 has thebenefit of lowering the cost of the IDC 2000. The storage device 2400advantageously enables the user to continue recording even if theInternet connection is temporarily lost or unavailable.

Instead of the viewfinder 2530, the IDC 2000 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention utilizes a detachable or integratedfull video (LCD) display 2300. Accordingly, the display 2300 is a coloror grayscale (video) LCD, and the microcontroller 2200 drives thedisplay 2300 to show images formed on the image pickup 2510.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thestorage device 2400 records the data constantly, preferably with achosen time frame override. In accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention, the IDC 2000 transmits the data to the WSARC 3000 andsimultaneously records the data on the storage device 2400.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a meter that shows amount of time or data remainingto be transmitted to the WSARC 3000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thestorage device 1120 records the data when the Internet connection islost. The IDC 2000 transmits the stored/archived data when the Internetconnection to the WSARC 3000 is re-established. Preferably, the storagedevice 2400 records the data until all recorded data is sent to theWSARC 3000 over the Internet 4000 and then move seamlessly totransmitting live data without loss of data.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thestorage device 1120 records the data where Internet access isunavailable, such as a factory or a remote site. Periodically, the IDC2000 can be moved to a site where Internet access is available and therecordings can be transmitted to the WSARC 3000. In accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, the IDC 2000 can be replaced withanother IDC 2000 so the recording is continuous. Preferably, the storagedevice 2400 is removable such that the storage device 2400 isperiodically replaced with a new one so that the recording iscontinuous. The recordings on the removed IDC 2000 and/or the storagedevice 1120 are then transferred to the WSARC 3000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a light indicator, such as an LED 2310, indicatingwhether the IDC 2000 is connected to the Internet (i.e., the WSARC3000). The LED 2310 is “green” to indicate that the IDC 2000 isconnected to the WSARC 3000 and “red” to indicate that the IDC 2000 isnot connected to the WSARC 3000. This will advantageously enable theuser or operator of the IDC 2000 to know the status of the Internetconnection immediately. In accordance with an aspect of the presentinvention, if the WSARC 3000 loses connection to an IDC 2000, the WSARC3000 sends an email to a predetermined address or places a phone call toa predetermined number (or other comparable notification means)designated by the registered user of the IDC 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a motion sensor 2700 for activating the recordingonly when the motion sensor 2700 detects motion. For example, this canbe useful for monitoring remote, unpopulated locations, such as awarehouse or a factory in off-hour or a summer or winter home inoff-season, for any unauthorized intrusion. Preferably, the IDC 2000only records when the motion sensor 2700 detects an activity or motionwithin a monitoring area or site. In accordance with an aspect of thepresent invention, upon activation of the IDC 2000, the WSARC 3000 canbe setup or program to send an email to a predetermined address or placea phone call to a predetermined number (or other comparable notificationmeans), which can be designated by the registered user of the IDC 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 can be placed or mounted on a mounting device 1100 which canrotate or pivot the IDC 2000, thereby enabling the operator to remotelycontrol the IDC 2000 via the WSARC 3000. As noted herein, for example,when the registered user receives an email or a phone call that the IDC2000 has detected an activity within a warehouse, the registered usercan log onto the WSARC 3000 and remotely operate one or more IDCs 2000within the warehouse to determine the cause of this activity.Alternatively, an operator associated with the WSARC 3000 can remotelyoperate one or more IDCs 2000 within the warehouse to determine thecause of this activity. Such remote monitoring capability with the IICS1000 enables the operator of the WSARC 3000 or the registered user toquickly determine if the activity is a false alarm or real intrusionthat needs to be dealt with and reported to the local police authority.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theWSARC 3000 is staffed with operators, technicians, security personneland the like to provide a full monitoring service, such as 24/7 (24hours/7 days a week) monitoring service. If the operator of the WSARC3000 determines if there is an incident or event warranting ainvestigation within a remote monitoring site, such as a home, office,warehouse, etc., the operator can dispatch a security personnel toinvestigate the incident.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a battery 2800, which provides power to all of thecomponents of the IDC 2000. It is appreciated that IDC 2000 can bepowered by any variety of power sources. The IDC 2000 can be poweredexclusively by the internal battery 2800 or by other power sources, suchas solar power or AC power with the internal battery 2800 serving as abackup power source. Preferably, the internal battery 2800 is arechargeable battery that can be recharged by solar or electrical power.The rechargeable battery can incorporate an AC adapter, preferablyprovided outside the IDC 2000 in order to reduce the size of the camera.The AC adapter plugs into a conventional AC outlet, and can be a“Universal” AC adapter connectible to various worldwide AC supplies. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the IDC 2000 canbe setup or programmed to alert the WSARC 3000 to send an email to apredetermined address or place a call to predetermined number (or othercomparable notification means) when the IDC 2000 determines the power ofthe battery 2800 is below a predetermined threshold. Additionally, theWSARC 3000 automatically sends an email to a predetermined address orplace a call to a predetermined number (or other comparable notificationmeans) when the WSARC 3000 is unavailable to communicate with WSARC 3000for any reason, such as loss of power, loss of Internet connection, etc.This advantageously alerts the registered user of the IDC 2000 toreplace the IDC's battery 2800.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 can be used as a cell phone employing voice over IP (VOIP) viathe Internet connection or traditional cellular network for voicecommunication and/or data transmission, such as text messages.Additionally, the IDC 2000 can use the Internet connection to downloadlive or recorded audio and/or video content from the Internet. Thenecessary hardware and software components can reside within the IDC2000 or in a separate device removable attachable to the IDC 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIICS 1000 is deployed in a warehouse with 10 IDCs 2000. The registereduser or an operator of the WSARC 3000 can view all ten IDCs 2000individually, together or in a group. It is appreciated that more IDCs2000 can be added or distributed over multiple warehouses or buildings.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theimage pickup 2510 of the IDC 2000 can be infrared or UV light sensorsuitable for recording or generating infrared or UV images. Preferably,the IDC 2000 comprises a scope-shaped attachment that can providespecialized lighting and/or scope-shaped magnified zoom lens to providespecialized viewing. For example, this enables the IDC 2000 to recordfine cracks and crevices in machinery and/or building. The infraredlight capability advantageously permits the IICS 1000 to operate in lowlight to monitor building or warehouse at night.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theWSARC 3000 is accessible by registered users and users authorized byregistered users using their login name and password. The registereduser can give other users access or viewing rights to certain files,folders, etc. on a permanent or temporary basis. That is, the user'sability to view recordings or data stored/archived in the WSARC 3000will be dictated by the rights assigned to the user. The grouping andgranting of certain viewing rights can be pre-set by the registered useror owner of the account. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, the WSARC 3000 can provide temporary access basedon certain preference or fee. For example, to help cover the cost ofrecording Little League baseball games, a registered user can establishan account so parents, grandparents and friends of the players canaccess and download the recordings of the games for a fee. The fee canbe one-time fee (i.e., for the entire season), per game, per access,etc.

It is appreciated that WSARC 3000 comprises standard known tools toenable the registered user can organize their images. In accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the registered usercan organize the images by location, e.g., warehouse, home, countryhouse, etc., using a file folder hierarchy structure. When a user clickson one of the displayed location, the WSARC 3000 displays another menulisting the groups within that location. For example, when a user clicksthe location labeled “warehouse,” the WSARC 3000 can list the followinggroups: office, garage, interior warehouse, outside perimeter, parkinglot, etc. When a user clicks the location labeled “home,” the WSARC 3000can list the following groups: 1^(st) floor, 2^(nd) floor, living room,dining room, kitchen, garage, bedroom 1, bedroom 2, basement, outsideperimeter, etc.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theWSARC 3000 can archive the recordings by date (such as year), name, orby event titled by the registered user. That is, the registered user canname or rename the recordings. This advantageously enables the user tosearch the archive by date, name or event. The registered user can labelthe events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. When a userclicks on an event labeled “birthdays,” the WSARC 3000 displays a listof all of titles named “birthday,” for example:

Rita Marie's 1^(st) Birthday

Rita Marie's 16^(th) Birthday

Frankie's 1^(st) Birthday

Alex's 1^(st) Birthday

Mommy's 30^(th) Birthday

Grandma's 70^(th) Birthday

It is appreciated that these events is also searchable by date and name.These events would be available to search by date and by group name.Whichever method is easier for the user to find, this all depends on thedetail of label a given user employs.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thetext module 2230 enables the registered user to type over the imagesbefore the images are transmitted to the WSARC 3000. Preferably, the LCDdisplay 2300 comprises a touch keypad for entering text and labeling theimage before it is transmitted to the WSARC 3000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a plug-in, e.g., USB port, for a microphone orheadphones, to enable to the user to record voice over the live orrecorded images. Alternatively, the WSARC 3000 comprises tools to enablethe registered user to edit the recorded images to record voice over thestored/archived images to clarify, comment or explain the recordedimages.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theLED 2310 is a white and/or colored LED to operate as a white and/orcolored strobe light.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theimage-forming optical system 2500 and the LCD display 2300 can operatetogether to provide a live still, streaming or video image of the userof the IDC 2000, thereby, for example, enabling the user to use the IDC2000 as a mirror. In addition or alternatively, the microprocessor 2200is operable to control the LCD display 2300 to provide a magnifiedmirror. The user can use the touch keypad of the LCD display 2300 tochange the magnification of the mirror.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the embodiment of thepresent invention, each account at WSARC 3000 can be assigned to one ormore registered users, thereby permitting each registered user of theaccount to seamlessly transmit and receive images from the otherregistered user. For example, the parents are vacationing in Europe, thegrandparents live in Brazil, Rita Marie is skiing in New Zealand, Alexis playing football in Florida and Frankie is diving in Hawaii. The IICS1000 of the present invention enables the parents to seamlessly receiveimages from and transmit images to their daughter in New Zealand, thegrandparents in Brazil and their sons in Hawaii and Florida.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a web browser linked to the Internet 4000. Theregistered user can use the IDC 2000 to retrieve or view stored/archivedimages in its account on the WSARC 3000, manage its WSARC account,send/receive emails via an email account established on the WSARC 3000or surf the Internet.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theIDC 2000 comprises a global position system (GPS) 2900 to determine thecurrent location of the IDC 2000 and to provide such GPS locationinformation to other IDC 2000. Also, the IDC 2000 can transmits the GPSlocation information with the data (e.g., still, audio and/or videoimage) to the WSARC 3000 over the Internet 400. It is appreciated thatthe GPS 2900 is a standard equipment in certain IDC 2000, such as aSmartphone 2000.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theIDC 2000 communicates with a satellite to obtain a satellite image,preferably live satellite image, of its current GPS location asdetermined by the GPS 2900. The satellite image received by the IDC 2000is displayed on the LCD display 2300. The user can input location (e.g.,user's current or another location) and zooming instructions for thesatellite to the microprocessor 2200 using the touch keypad of the LCDdisplay 2300. The processor 2200 transmits signals comprising locationor zooming instructions to the satellite or satellite controller for thesatellite to zoom in a particular location or adjust magnification ofthe satellite image based the zooming instructions.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, theregistered user can access the WSARC 3000 using the IDC 2000 or astandard computer to retrieve, view stored/archived images, emailstored/archived images or download stored/archived images onto a CD, DVDand the like.

The IDC 2000 of the present invention comprises all of the standardknown components to capture digital images, make a connection to theInternet, and transmit images over the Internet. This advantageouslyenables the IDC 2000 to be used in many applications, such as inentertainment, advertising, education, security, traffic monitoring,weather monitoring, child care monitoring, surveillance, and generalconsumer applications.

Although the above description sets forth particular embodiments of thepresent invention, modifications of the invention will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the scopeof the invention be determined solely by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for transmitting at least one ofaudio, still images and video images by an Internet direct deviceassociated with a user over a communications network, comprising thesteps of: automatically connecting the Internet direct device to thecommunications network on power-up using one of a plurality of availablemodes of connection, which is designated as a primary mode ofconnection; receiving at least one of audio, still images and videoimages by the Internet direct device; transmitting at least one of thereceived audio, the received still images and the received video imagesto an account associated with the Internet direct device on a web sitearchive and review center (WSARC) upon capture by a microprocessor ofthe Internet direct device; and automatically switching to anotheravailable mode of connection by the microprocessor when the primary modeof connection to the communications network is unavailable.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of automatically switching comprisesthe step of switching to one of the following available modes ofconnection: a land line, DSL, cable, satellite, wireless network,cellular, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Max.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of locally storing at least one the received audio,the received still images and the received video images in a storagedevice of the Internet direct device by the microprocessor when theconnection to the communications network is unavailable, andtransmitting the stored audio, the stored still images and the storedvideo images to the WSARC by the microprocessor when the connection tothe communications network is re-established.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of accessing the Internet using a webbrowser of the Internet direct device over the communications network.5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of communicatingwith other Internet direct devices via voice over IP by the Internetdirect device associated with the user.
 6. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of transmitting at least one of audio, stillimages and video images to and from other Internet direct devices by themicroprocessor of the Internet direct device associated with the userover the communications network.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of downloading live or recorded audio or videoimages from a website using a web browser over said communicationsnetwork.
 8. A non-transitory storage medium comprising a program fortransmitting at least one of audio, still images and video images over acommunications network when executed by an Internet direct deviceassociated with a user to cause the Internet direct device to:automatically connect to the communications network on power-up usingone of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designatedas a primary mode of connection; receive at least one of audio, stillimages and video images by the Internet direct device; transmit at leastone of the received audio, the received still images and the receivedvideo images to an account associated with the Internet direct device ona web site archive and review center (WSARC) upon capture by amicroprocessor of the Internet direct device; and automatically switchto another available mode of connection by the microprocessor when theprimary mode of connection to the communications network is unavailable.9. The storage medium of claim 8, the program when executed causes theInternet direct device to receive still or video images and audio fromsaid WSARC over the communications network. the program when executedcauses the Internet direct device to locally store the received still orvideo images in a storage device when the connection to saidcommunications network is unavailable, and transmits the stored still orvideo images and audio to said WSARC when the connection to saidcommunications network is re-established.
 10. The storage medium ofclaim 8, the program when executed causes the Internet direct device toautomatically switch to one of the following available modes ofconnection: a land line, DSL, cable, satellite, wireless network,cellular, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Max.
 11. The storage medium of claim 8, theprogram when executed causes the Internet direct device to transmit andreceive at least one of audio, still images and video images to and fromother Internet direct devices over said communications network.
 12. Thestorage medium of claim 8, the program when executed causes the Internetdirect device to access the Internet using a web browser over thecommunications network.
 13. The method of claim 8, the program whenexecuted causes the Internet direct device to communicate with otherInternet direct devices via voice over IP.
 14. The method of claim 8,the program when executed causes the Internet direct device to downloadlive or recorded audio or video images from a web site using a webbrowser over said communications network.